Amos 4:6 “I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places, yet you did not return to me,” says the LORD
[Revised Standard translation]
Psalms 3:7 Arise O LORD! Deliver me, O my GOD! Strike all my enemies on the jaw: break the teeth of the wicked.
[New International translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
The Book of Amos was written by the prophet Amos. Amos was not the son of a prophet nor did he come from a line of prophets. Initially, he was not a prophet at all—he was just an ordinary man holding down two jobs---a herdsman and fruit picker. He was by society’s standards just a lowly herdsman (e.g. a shepherd) and a fruit picker. But GOD chose him---Amos. GOD chose just an ordinary man to deliver HIS message.
The book of Amos was written during one of the lowest points in the people’s relationship with and devotion to GOD. Some of the major themes in the Book of Amos include: social justice and GOD’s discipline and divine justice.
The Book of Amos is noted for the use of imagery and language. Amos 4:6 states:
I gave you cleanness of teeth” -- referring to the lack of food and, hence, “clean teeth” the people had when there was famine in the land. This scripture was to remind the people of their suffering if they failed to turn from their wicked ways.
Psalms 3:7 is another scripture evoking the use of imagery and language. Here the writer of the psalm compares “all [his] enemies” to the situation of being surrounded by wild breasts (e.g. lions or other animals with sharp teeth). Every shepherd and herdsman knew that when a wild breast bares its teeth, indicating that they were ready to spring and devour, that this was an ultimate time of danger. One of the ways a shepherd might disarm a wild beast is to strike the animal in the jaw and break its teeth, thus rendering the animal harmless. This is what the psalmist prays that GOD will do to all his enemies, namely deprive them of the power (their teeth) to do him any harm.
Even in Biblical times, people understood the importance of teeth.
ORAL HEALTH and SPORTS DRINKS
There have been a number of studies linking dental problems to sports drinks. While many athletes (young and older adults) may understand the importance of exercise and strengthening their bodies, many are overlooking the importance of maintaining good teeth. One writer noted that “Believe it or not, sports drinks can cause 3 times more damage to teeth than soda.” See, “Sports Drinks and Dental Problems in Athlete,” October 14, 2014.” http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20141014/athletes-sports-drinks-dental. Sports drinks often contain high amounts of carbohydrates (sugar), salt, and citric acid, which can contribute to tooth decay and erosion.
In one study, researchers covered extracted teeth with nail polish, leaving a bare spot on the enamel of each tooth and on the root. They then dunked the teeth into test tubes filled with Coke, Diet Coke, Gatorade, Red Bull or 100% apple juice. After 25 hours they examined the teeth under a microscope to examine the extent of erosion. They found that there was some erosion on all the teeth, but:
On the enamel, Gatorade was significantly more corrosive than Red Bull and Coke. Red Bull and Coke, in turn, were significantly more corrosive than Diet Coke and apple juice.
On the roots of the teeth, Gatorade was more corrosive than Red Bull. Coke, apple juice, and Diet Coke followed in that order.
The study noted that the difference was not just due to the amount of sugar (Gatorade was noted to be 6% sugar and Coke 10% sugar) but the difference was due also to the fact that the high erosive drinks were acidic beverages.
See: “Gatorade Tough on Teeth? Study shows Gatorade, Red Bull, Coke, Fruit Juice All Erode Teeth; Gatorade Erodes Fastest,” by Daniel J. DeNoon, March 9, 2006, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20060309/gatorade-tough-on-teeth#1.
Others have speculated that another reason why athletes may be prone to more damage from sports drinks is that dehydration is often a problem for athletes, which in turn, causes athletes to have a dry mouth, which makes them more vulnerable to tooth decay. Saliva protects the teeth and helps to neutralize acids in the mouth. So when there is a lack of saliva in the mouth the gums and teeth have less protection.
Because the teeth are vulnerable after drinking a sports drink, it is recommended that you not brush at least 30-45 minutes after consumption. Other recommendations include:
- Using a straw to avoid contact with the teeth;
- Avoiding sugary and acidic drinks right before bedtime;
- Consider diluting acidic and sugary drinks with water; and
- Speaking to your dentist about your overall consumption and your dental preventive care.
Parents are encouraged to monitor sports drinks and in general all sugary drinks of their children. Every adult should monitor his or her own intake of sugary and acidic drinks!
Remember, kids not only often emulate what they see their favorite athletes do but they also watch and emulate and repeat what they see others doing around them. So, be a good role model---watch what you drink!
PRAY FOR A SPIRIT OF APPRECIATION
Sometimes we fail to appreciate the value and worth of the simple and the ordinary. We often don’t appreciate the beautiful sunny days until we have several days of rain. Or, we don’t appreciate the several days of rain until we enter a drought.
Sometimes we just need to be reminded of the importance of good oral hygiene, to watch what we eat, to exercise regularly, to pray consistently, and to realize how utterly dependent we are on the GOODNESS of GOD.
Today let’s pay attention--- to our teeth and what we eat, and, most importantly, to our spiritual relationship to GOD.
Let’s pray for a spirit of appreciation and BE BLESSED.
